Systems and methods for measuring and/or analyzing swing information

ABSTRACT

In a first aspect, a system for monitoring a swing is provided that includes a wireless device adapted to couple to a swinging object and to provide information indicative of a characteristic of the swinging object. The wireless device is a cellular telephone or personal digital assistant (PDA). Numerous other aspects are provided.

The present application is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S.patent application Ser. No. 12/696,040, filed Jan. 28, 2010 and entitled“SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MEASURING AND/OR ANALYZING SWING INFORMATION”,(Attorney Docket No. BMD 001-003), which claims priority to U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/148,028, filed Jan. 28, 2009and entitled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MEASURING AND/OR ANALYZING SWINGINFORMATION”, (Attorney Docket No. BMD 001-003/L01), and which is acontinuation-in-part of and claims priority to U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 11/869,695, filed Oct. 9, 2007 and entitled “SYSTEMS ANDMETHODS FOR MEASURING AND/OR ANALYZING SWING INFORMATION”, (AttorneyDocket No. BMD001-P01), which claims priority to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 60/828,635, filed Oct. 7, 2006 and entitled“SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MEASURING AND/OR ANALYZING SWING INFORMATION”,(Attorney Docket No. BMD001-P01/L01), each of which is herebyincorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

The present application is also related to U.S. Pat. No. 6,045,364,issued Apr. 4, 2000, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein inits entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the use of wireless devices forimproving a swing such as a golf swing, a tennis swing, etc., and moreparticularly to systems and methods for measuring and/or analyzing swinginformation.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A difficult challenge in swing intensive sporting activities (e.g., golfor tennis) is to perfect a swing and repeat it consistently. The pace ofa swing, also known as swing tempo, is an important factor in most swingintensive activities as proper swing tempo is indicative of proper bodyposition and proper body motion. In golf, for example, proper golf swingtempo ensures that golf club head velocity and golf club head positionare optimized during a golf swing. As such, a device which assists agolfer in consistently repeating proper swing tempo can be an invaluableteaching aid or training device.

To be effective, a swing tempo training device should provide“real-time” feedback (e.g., sufficiently instantaneous and continuous toallow modification of a swing during the swing). Real-time feedbackprovides real-time information which allows a person to know during aswing whether swing tempo should be increased, decreased, or maintained.

A need therefore exists for a swing tempo training device which mayprovide real-time feedback, preferably without disturbing others andwithout creating artificial vibrations during a swing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram of exemplary components of an illustrative swingtraining device network provided in accordance with the presentinvention.

FIG. 2 is a flow chart of an exemplary method of using a wireless swingmonitoring device provided in accordance with the present invention.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are illustrative exemplary wireless swing trainingdevices in accordance with some embodiments of this invention.

FIGS. 4A-C illustrate some exemplary components of an alternative swingtraining device network provided in accordance with the presentinvention.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart of an alternative exemplary method of using awireless swing monitoring device provided in accordance with the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Golf Embodiment

In accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention, a system isprovided for monitoring golf performance and/or play. The golfmonitoring system may be employed to monitor swing performance duringgolf play, including swing tempo, swing velocity, ball-club contactforce, and/or the like. In some embodiments, each golf club to beemployed by a golfer is equipped with an accelerometer and a Bluetooth™or other wireless transmitter. Each accelerometer may be positioned onor in a golf club and employed to measure acceleration of the golf clubduring a golf swing. This acceleration may be used to determine swingtempo, swing velocity, ball-club contact and/or contact force, number ofstrokes of the golfer, and the like, predict ball travel distance and/orposition, etc. A Bluetooth™ or other wireless transmitter may receive anacceleration signal, such as a voltage or current level, from theaccelerometer and transmit information regarding the acceleration signalto a wireless device such as a cellular telephone, a personal digitalassistant (PDA), an MP3 player, a portable game player, or the like.

In one or more embodiments, the wireless device includes software, suchas computer program code and/or one or more computer program products,adapted to monitor and/or process the information transmitted by theBluetooth™ or other wireless transmitter coupled to each golf club. Forexample, the wireless device may employ the information received fromeach wireless transmitter to determine (1) the type of golf club beingused (e.g., a wood, an iron, a 9 iron, a putter, etc., such as byassociating an identifier of a wireless transmitter with a particularclub); (2) the acceleration of the club during a swing (e.g., club headacceleration); (3) the velocity and/or speed of the club during a swing(4) swing tempo; (5) ball-club contact; (6) ball-club contact force; (7)ball-club contact timing; (8) follow through speed, timing and/or tempo;(9) number of strokes of the golf club and/or golfer; (10) predictedball travel distance (e.g., based on ball-club contact force, club type,swing speed, etc.); (11) predicted ball position (e.g., based onball-club contact force, club type, swing speed, etc.); (12) golf score;(13) golf handicap; and/or any other similar information.

In one particular embodiment, each golf club in a golfer's golf bag mayinclude an accelerometer and a Bluetooth™ transmitter that are “paired”or otherwise configured to communicate with a cellular telephone such asa Palm® Treo™ or other cellular telephone. During golf play, thecellular telephone may monitor and/or analyze each swing of a golfer todetermine, record, display and/or otherwise manipulate swing data of thegolfer (e.g., to determine any of (1)-(13) above, or any other relevantinformation). For example, the cellular telephone may track number ofswings for each golf hole. In some embodiments, the cellular telephonemay prompt a golfer to indicate when a swing is a practice swing, andshould not be counted toward a golf score (e.g., by pressing a key onthe cellular telephone, speaking a command, etc.). The cellulartelephone may graph or chart swing information, compare the same tohistorical information about the golfer's swings or the swings of aninstructor or golf pro (e.g., swing tempo, club velocity and/or speed,ball-club contact force, etc). Numerical acceleration and/or speed,ball-club contact force, etc., may also be provided, so as to allow agolfer to easily compare his/her swing data to that of other golfers. Insome embodiments, this information is stored and then analyzed by athird-party, such as a golf professional. In some embodiments, thisinformation is automatically relayed to a third-party via the internetor any other suitable means. In some embodiments, a wireless device maybe paired or otherwise configured to receive swing and/or clubinformation from multiple golfers (e.g., to track the golf score orother swing statistics of a group of golfers). As stated, other wirelesstransmitters and/or wireless devices may be employed.

Tennis Embodiment

In accordance with one or more other embodiments of the invention, asystem is provided for monitoring tennis performance and/or play. Thetennis monitoring system may be employed to monitor swing performanceduring tennis play, including swing tempo, swing velocity, ball-racquetcontact force, and/or the like. In some embodiments, a tennis racquet tobe employed by a tennis player is equipped with an accelerometer and aBluetooth™ or other wireless transmitter. Each accelerometer may bepositioned on or in a tennis racquet and employed to measureacceleration of the tennis racquet during a swing. This acceleration maybe used to determine swing tempo, swing velocity, ball-racquet contactand/or contact force, number of swings of the tennis player, and thelike, predict ball travel distance and/or position, etc. A Bluetooth™ orother wireless transmitter may receive an acceleration signal, such as avoltage or current level, from the accelerometer and transmitinformation regarding the acceleration signal to a wireless device suchas a cellular telephone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), an MP3player, a portable game player, or the like.

In one or more embodiments, the wireless device includes software, suchas computer program code and/or one or more computer program products,adapted to monitor and/or process the information transmitted by theBluetooth™ or other wireless transmitter coupled to a tennis racquet.For example, the wireless device may employ the information receivedfrom a wireless transmitter to determine (1) the type of racquet beingswung; (2) the acceleration of the racquet during a swing; (3) thevelocity and/or speed of the racquet during a swing (4) swing tempo; (5)ball-racquet contact; (6) ball-racquet contact force; (7) ball-racquetcontact timing; (8) follow through speed, timing and/or tempo; (9)number of swings of the racquet; (10) predicted ball travel distance(e.g., based on ball-racquet contact force, racquet type, swing speed,etc.); (11) predicted ball position (e.g., based on ball-racquet contactforce, racquet type, swing speed, etc.); and/or any other similarinformation.

In one particular embodiment, a tennis racquet may include anaccelerometer and a Bluetooth™ transmitter that are “paired” orotherwise configured to communicate with a cellular telephone such as aPalm® Treo™ or other cellular telephone. During tennis play, thecellular telephone may monitor and/or analyze each swing of a tennisplayer to determine, record, display and/or otherwise manipulate swingdata of the tennis player (e.g., to determine any of (1)-(11) above, orany other relevant information). For example, the cellular telephone maytrack number of swings for a point, set, game, etc. In some embodiments,the cellular telephone may prompt a tennis player to indicate when aswing is a practice swing, and should not be counted (e.g., by pressinga key on the cellular telephone, speaking a command, etc.). The cellulartelephone may graph or chart swing information, compare the same tohistorical information about the player's swings or the swings of aninstructor or tennis pro (e.g., swing tempo, racquet velocity and/orspeed, ball-racquet contact force, etc). Numerical acceleration and/orspeed, ball-racquet contact force, etc., may also be provided, so as toallow a player to easily compare his/her swing data to that of othertennis players. In some embodiments, a wireless device may be paired orotherwise configured to receive swing and/or racquet information frommultiple tennis players (e.g., to track the score or other swingstatistics of a group of tennis players, such as two or more tennisplayers during a tennis game). As stated, other wireless transmittersand/or wireless devices may be employed.

In general, any swinging device may be similarly equipped, such as ahockey stick, a racquet ball racquet, a boxing glove, a kick boxer'sleg, etc. For example, the number and/or force of punches during aboxing match may be monitored and/or analyzed.

First Exemplary Swing Measurement and/or Analysis Network

Use of a wireless device in a swing measurement and/or analysis network100 in accordance with the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 1.With reference to FIG. 1, a user 102, such as a golfer, may employ aswing measurement device 104 to measure swing information of a swingingsports object, such as a golf club 106. In some embodiments, the swingmeasurement device 104 may be an accelerometer coupled to a wirelesstransmitter or any other suitable device for measuring and transmittingswing information of a swinging sports object. The swing measurementdevice 104 may be, for example, located on and/or in the swinging sportsobject, and is adapted to send signals (e.g., via a Bluetooth™ or othertransmitter) indicative of the swing information (e.g., clubacceleration, speed and/or velocity, swing tempo, club-ball impactforce, etc.) to a wireless device 108.

In some embodiments, based on the received signals, the wireless device108 may output auditory cues indicative of swing information toheadphones 110. For tracking purposes, the swing measurement device 104may be adapted to send swing information to the Internet 112, which mayin turn transfer that information to the user's or another computer 114.Wireless device 108 may also transfer information to the computer 114,either directly, or through the Internet 112.

In one or more embodiments, the user 102 may use the swing measurementdevice 104 to measure swing tempo. In an exemplary embodiment, the swingmeasurement device 104 may comprise an accelerometer which outputs avoltage signal based on measured acceleration of the swinging object, avoltage-to-frequency converter coupled to the accelerometer whichproduces an audio signal in response to the voltage signal, and awireless transmitter which transmits the audio signal to the wirelessdevice 108 and/or the headphones 110. In another embodiment, the swingmeasurement device 104 may comprise an accelerometer that produces anoutput signal based on the acceleration of the swinging object, and awireless transmitter that transmits the output signal to the wirelessdevice 108. The wireless device 108 then may convert the output signalinto an audio signal (e.g., via software) for output by the wirelessdevice 108 and/or for transmission to and output by the headphones 110.Other appropriate swing measurement devices may be used.

Wireless device 108 may be any wireless device that is capable ofreceiving the signals transmitted from the swing measurement device 104(e.g., by supporting Bluetooth™, WiFi, or similar technology). Anexemplary wireless device may be, for example, a cellular telephone,web-enabled device (e.g., web-enabled cellular telephone or PDA),portable web browser, cellular or web-enabled wrist watch, web-enabledor otherwise portable gaming device (e.g., Sony PSP®, Nintendo DS™,etc.), or any other suitable device. The wireless device 108 may becapable of receiving, transmitting, storing, compiling, logging,tabulating, and/or analyzing swing information received from the swingmeasurement device 104 employed by the user 102.

Headphones 110 may be any conventional listening device adapted toreceive wireless (e.g., Bluetooth™), wired or similar signals.Similarly, connectivity to the Internet 112 and/or the computer 114 fromthe swing measurement device 104 and/or wireless device 108 may be madevia Bluetooth™, WiFi, or similar signals.

FIG. 2 depicts an exemplary method 200 of using the wireless device 108and the swing measurement device 104 according to some aspects of thepresent invention. The method 200 begins at step 202.

In operation, the user 102 swings a club with a swing measurement device104 attached or included therein, such as a wirelessly-enabled (e.g.,Bluetooth™ enabled) accelerometer. Swing information (e.g., swing tempoor any other information) is measured at step 204, preferably in realtime, by the swing measurement device 104.

At step 206, the swing information is communicated to the wirelessdevice 108 (e.g., a cellular telephone, a PDA, etc.). In certainembodiments, the wireless device 108 may transmit swing information toanother device (e.g., headphones, the Internet, a computer, etc.); inthe same or alternative embodiments, the swing information may betransmitted directly to the other device from the swing measurementdevice 104.

In an exemplary embodiment, the wireless device 108 may send a real timeaudio signal indicative of swing tempo to headphones 110. In this way,the user 102 may privately listen to an auditory representation of theswing tempo and adjust the swing tempo of his/her swing withoutdisturbing other golfers. Similarly, the wireless device 108 maytransmit the audio signal to an iPod, personal mp3 player, or similaraudio device. The signal may be recorded for future playback and/orplayed live via attached headphones or speakers so the user 102 may hearthe tempo of the swing. In some embodiments, the audio signal may betransmitted directly from a Bluetooth™ enabled club to the audio device.

In step 208, the wireless device 108 may analyze the swing information.For example, the wireless device 108 may display a graphicalrepresentation of the swing information (e.g., swing tempo, club headspeed, velocity and/or acceleration, club-ball contact force and/ortime, etc.) on a screen or other display of the wireless device 108. Anexample of such a representation is shown in FIG. 3A. The user 102 maythen visually analyze the swing after it is completed and/or allowanother user (e.g., a coach or caddy) to evaluate the swing in progress.In some embodiments, the graphical representations may be stored in adatabase of swings. The swings may then be reviewed and/or overlayed toclosely compare any variations in swings. For example, a reference orideal drive swing tempo may be loaded into a database on wireless device108.

Database storage and/or tracking may also occur at computer 114 or onthe Internet 112 (e.g., at a Web server of a golf related Web site).Each time the user 102 swings, swing information may be recorded and/ordisplayed graphically over reference swing information and/or previousswings. Preferably, the wireless device 108 is a small, hand-held devicethe user 102 may carry on his/her person (e.g., a cellular telephone, aPDA, etc.). In this way, the user 102 may see where a swing may beadjusted to realize an optimal swing while on the golf course (or otherplaying field for alternative swing applications such as tennis).

In some embodiments, the wireless device 108 may track the current swingand output a cue if the swing varies greatly from an ideal swing. Forexample, if the user 102 is exceeding the necessary swing tempo at thetop of the swing, the wireless device 108 may vibrate and/or emit atone. In this way, the user 102 will be alerted to the error and maystop the swing before ball contact.

In a similar fashion, the wireless device 108 may output a cue if theswing is ideal or very good. For example, if the measured tempo from aswing start through contact with the ball to the follow throughindicates a good drive, the wireless device 108 may send a text messageto a predetermined list of persons or otherwise alert others that theuser 102 hit a good drive. The wireless device 108 may also calculate anapproximate or anticipated drive distance based on the measured swinginformation and report this to the user 102 and/or include thisinformation in the sent message.

In some embodiments, swing information received at the wireless device108, Internet 112, and/or computer 114 may be tracked in a trackingprogram. The information may be transmitted via wired and/or wirelesssignals over the Internet 112 and/or transmitted directly to a personalcomputer 114, golf computer, or other device with golf tracking softwareloaded thereon.

In some embodiments, the wireless device 108 may track swing informationand may additionally track the score for a user's game. For example,swing measurement devices (e.g., accelerometers) may be attached to (orin) each of the user's 102 clubs and/or may be easily transferredtherebetween. In such embodiments, the swing measurement devices may besufficiently small and light so as to not impede or otherwise hamper theswing of the user 102. The wireless device 108 may track the number ofswings (strokes) taken by the user 102 using some or all clubs. In someembodiments, the wireless device 108 may differentiate between practiceswings and strokes by determining the amount and/or speed ofdeceleration at ball-contact and/or the end of the stroke. For example,in a completed stroke, there may be a noticeable change in the swingtempo at the point of contact with the ball, indicating a stroke whereasin a practice swing, a swing tempo change may be reduced and/or may notbe present. The user 102 may also input penalties into the wirelessdevice 108 which would not normally be recorded otherwise. Using thetotal score for a round or rounds, the wireless device 108 may alsocalculate a user's 102 handicap.

In some embodiments, especially when more than one user 102 employs thewirelessly-enabled clubs and wireless device 108, the wireless device108 may track various types of games and/or propositions. For example,the wireless device 108 may track the scores of an entire foursome oreven a tournament. Different types of play may be accommodated, such asmatch play, skins games, and/or best ball tournaments. In someembodiments, the wireless device 108 may be capable of calculating anapproximate landing position of the ball based on swing information andcompare this estimation to other users. In this way, ball position maybe tracked on a golf course and an estimation of the most appropriateball to hit in a best ball or scramble-type game may be determined.

To further aid a user 102 to track a golf game, the wireless device 108,clubs, and/or ball may be GPS equipped. In this way, the user 102 mayhave real time accurate information of where the user 102 is in relationto a ball, a pin, the 19^(th) hole, etc. FIG. 3B represents an exampleof a golf mapping program which may be used in conjunction with thepresent invention. Golf mapping programs are commercially availablefrom, for example, Golfwits, LLC of Lynden, Wash. and StarCaddy,manufactured by LinksPoint of Norwalk, Conn.

Used in coordination, the present invention and golf course mappingsoftware may provide useful tools to a user. For example, a GPS enabledwireless device may track the movements of the user and provideinformation such as location on the course, distance to hole, etc. Basedon swing tempo, other swing information and/or course terrain downloadedfrom the course map, the wireless device 108 may calculate anapproximate landing location of a ball after a swing. This tentativelanding location may be plotted on the golf course mapping software andthe user may utilize the GPS capabilities to find the golf ball. Thismay be especially useful with errant shots or blind turns. The wirelessdevice 108 may also suggest shots and clubs based on a record ofprevious swings (e.g., prior swing measurements such as prior swingtempo achievement). For example, if the user is not achieving a certainswing tempo, indicating an inability to hit high or long shots, thewireless device 108 may suggest a two shot approach to a dogleg insteadof attempting to fly over. Additionally, based on terrain and locationon the map, the wireless device 108 may calculate an alternate swingtempo or other swing adjustment for the user. This alternate swing mayhelp the golfer hit a further and/or more accurate shot or may encouragea shorter shot or lay-up.

The method ends at step 210.

Second Exemplary Swing Measurement and/or Analysis Network

Use of a wireless device in a second swing measurement and/or analysisnetwork 400 in accordance with the present invention is described withreference to FIGS. 4A-C. With reference to FIG. 4A, a user 402, such asa golfer, may employ a wireless device 404 to measure swing informationof a swinging object, such as a golf club 406. In some embodiments, thewireless device 404 may include one or more accelerometers that may beemployed for measuring swing information of a swinging object. Thewireless device 404 may be, for example, located on the user 402 (FIG.4A) such as on a wrist or forearm, or located on and/or in the swingingobject (FIG. 4B). In one particular embodiment shown in FIG. 4C, thewireless device 404 may be coupled to an arm 408 of the user 402 via astrap 410 or any other suitable securing mechanism. The wireless device404 may be similarly coupled to the shaft of the golf club 406.

In some embodiments, the wireless device 404 may output auditory cuesindicative of swing information to headphones 110 (FIG. 1). For trackingpurposes, the wireless device 404 may be adapted to send swinginformation to the Internet 112 (FIG. 1), which may in turn transferthat information to the user's or another computer 114 (FIG. 1).Wireless device 404 may also transfer information to the computer 114directly or through the Internet 112.

In one or more embodiments, the user 402 may use the wireless device 404to measure swing tempo. In an exemplary embodiment, the wireless device404 may include an accelerometer and the wireless device 404 may convertmeasured acceleration into an audio signal (e.g., via software) foroutput by the wireless device 404 and/or for transmission to and outputby the headphones 110 (FIG. 1).

Wireless device 404 may be any wireless device that is capable ofmeasuring a characteristic of a swinging object. An exemplary wirelessdevice may be, for example, a cellular telephone, web-enabled device(e.g., web-enabled cellular telephone or PDA), portable web browser,web-enabled or otherwise portable gaming device (e.g., Sony PSP®,Nintendo DS™, etc.) that includes one or more accelerometers, or anyother suitable device. The wireless device 404 may be capable ofreceiving, transmitting, storing, compiling, logging, tabulating, and/oranalyzing swing information.

Headphones 110 may be any conventional listening device adapted toreceive audio signals from the wireless device 404. Similarly,connectivity to the Internet 112 and/or the computer 114 from thewireless device 404 may be made via Bluetooth™, WiFi, or similarsignals.

FIG. 5 depicts an exemplary method 500 of using the wireless device 404according to some aspects the present invention. The method 500 beginsat step 502.

In operation, the user 402 swings a club with a wireless device 404attached to the user 402 or attached to or included in the club. Swinginformation (e.g., swing tempo or any other information) is measured atstep 504, preferably in real time, by the wireless device 404.

In some embodiments, at step 506, the swing information may becommunicated by the wireless device 404 (e.g., a cellular telephone, aPDA, etc.). In certain embodiments, the wireless device 404 may transmitswing information to another device (e.g., headphones, the Internet, acomputer, etc.).

In an exemplary embodiment, the wireless device 404 may send a real timeaudio signal indicative of swing tempo to headphones 110. In this way,the user 402 may privately listen to an auditory representation of theswing tempo and adjust the swing tempo of his/her swing withoutdisturbing other golfers. The signal may be recorded for future playbackand/or played live via attached headphones or speakers so the user 402may hear the tempo of the swing.

In step 508, the wireless device 404 may analyze the swing information.For example, the wireless device 404 may display a graphicalrepresentation of the swing information (e.g., swing tempo, club headspeed, velocity and/or acceleration, club-ball contact force and/ortime, etc.) on a screen or other display of the wireless device 404. Anexample of such a representation is shown in FIG. 3A. The user 402 maythen visually analyze the swing after it is completed and/or allowanother user (e.g., a coach or caddy) to evaluate the swing. In someembodiments, the graphical representations may be stored in a databaseof swings. The swings may then be reviewed and/or overlayed to closelycompare any variations in swings. For example, a reference or idealdrive swing tempo may be loaded into a database on wireless device 404.

Database storage and/or tracking may also occur at computer 114 or onthe Internet 112 (e.g., at a Web server of a golf related Web site).Each time the user 402 swings, swing information may be recorded and/ordisplayed graphically over reference swing information and/or previousswings. Preferably, the wireless device 404 is a small, hand-held devicethe user 402 may carry on his/her person (e.g., a cellular telephone, aPDA, etc.). In this way, the user 402 may see where a swing may beadjusted to realize an optimal swing while on the golf course (or otherplaying field for alternative swing applications such as tennis).

In some embodiments, the wireless device 404 may track the current swingand output a cue if the swing varies greatly from an ideal swing. Forexample, if the user 402 is exceeding the necessary swing tempo at thetop of the swing, the wireless device 404 may vibrate and/or emit atone. In this way, the user 402 will be alerted to the error and maystop the swing before ball contact.

In a similar fashion, the wireless device 404 may output a cue if theswing is ideal or very good. For example, if the measured tempo from aswing start through contact with the ball to the follow throughindicates a good drive, the wireless device 404 may send a text messageto a predetermined list of persons or otherwise alert others that theuser 102 hit a good drive. The wireless device 404 may also calculate anapproximate or anticipated drive distance based on the measured swinginformation and report this to the user 402 and/or include thisinformation in the sent message.

In some embodiments, the volume of the tone of the wireless device 404may also be correlated with the swing of the user 402. The sound emittedby the wireless device 404 may be correlated to different aspects of theswing, such as swing acceleration, duration of the swing, “jerkiness”(i.e. changes in acceleration), etc.

In some embodiments, swing information may be tracked in a trackingprogram. The information may be transmitted via wired and/or wirelesssignals over the Internet 112 and/or transmitted directly to a personalcomputer 114, golf computer, or other device with golf tracking softwareloaded thereon.

In some embodiments, the wireless device 404 may track swing informationand may additionally track the score for a user's game. The wirelessdevice 404 may track the number of swings (strokes) taken by the user402 using some or all clubs. In some embodiments, the wireless device404 may differentiate between practice swings and strokes by determiningthe amount and/or speed of deceleration at ball-contact and/or the endof the stroke. For example, in a completed stroke, there may be anoticeable change in the swing tempo at the point of contact with theball, indicating a stroke whereas in a practice swing, a swing tempochange may be reduced and/or may not be present. The user 402 may alsoinput penalties into the wireless device 404 which would not normally berecorded otherwise. Using the total score for a round or rounds, thewireless device 404 may also calculate a user's 402 handicap.

In some embodiments, especially when more than one user 402participates, the wireless device 404 may track various types of gamesand/or propositions. For example, the wireless device 404 may track thescores of an entire foursome or even a tournament. Different types ofplay may be accommodated, such as match play, skins games, and/or bestball tournaments. In some embodiments, the wireless device 404 may becapable of calculating an approximate landing position of the ball basedon swing information and compare this estimation to other users. In thisway, ball position may be tracked on a golf course and an estimation ofthe most appropriate ball to hit in a best ball or scramble-type gamemay be determined.

To further aid a user 402 to track a golf game, the wireless device 404,clubs, and/or ball may be GPS equipped. In this way, the user 402 mayhave real time accurate information of where the user 402 is in relationto a ball, a pin, the 18^(th) hole, etc. FIG. 3B represents an exampleof a golf mapping program which may be used in conjunction with thepresent invention. Golf mapping programs are commercially availablefrom, for example, Golfwits, LLC of Lynden, Wash. and StarCaddy,manufactured by LinksPoint of Norwalk, Conn. Used in coordination, thepresent invention and golf course mapping software may provide usefultools to a user. For example, a GPS enabled wireless device may trackthe movements of the user and provide information such as location onthe course, distance to hole, etc.

Based on swing tempo, other swing information and/or course terraindownloaded from the course map, the wireless device 404 may calculate anapproximate landing location of a ball after a swing. For instance, thewireless device 404 may calculate a projected trajectory and distance ofthe ball. The wireless device may then determine the position of theball relative to the position of the original shot of the user 402. Thewireless device 404 may then mark where the ball most likely landed onthe map. This tentative landing location may be plotted on the golfcourse mapping software and the user may utilize the GPS capabilities tofind the golf ball. This may be especially useful with errant shots orblind turns. The wireless device 404 may also suggest shots and clubsbased on a record of previous swings (e.g., prior swing measurementssuch as prior swing tempo achievement). For example, if the user is notachieving a certain swing tempo, indicating an inability to hit high orlong shots, the wireless device 404 may suggest a two shot approach to adogleg instead of attempting to fly over. Additionally, based on terrainand location on the map, the wireless device 404 may calculate analternate swing tempo or other swing adjustment for the user. Thisalternate swing may help the golfer hit a further and/or more accurateshot or may encourage a shorter shot or lay-up.

The method ends at step 510.

In some embodiments, several wireless devices 404 are used. The wirelessdevices 404 may be able to communicate with one another directly, or viathe internet. Information may be shared between the wireless devices404. In some embodiments, the location of other users 402 may bedisplayed on the wireless device 404. For instance, a wireless device404 may determine its own location using GPS or any other suitablemeans, and communicate this position to other wireless devices 404.Based upon this information, distances between players and probabilitiesof hitting other users 402 with the ball may be calculated by thewireless device 404. In some embodiments, a wireless device 404 maytrack the score of a user 402, and transmit the score to anotherwireless device 404. As discussed above, the wireless device 404 maytrack swing information and may additionally track the score for thegame of a user 402. This information may be communicated to otherwireless devices 404 to provide automatic score updates to otherwireless devices 404.

In some embodiments, a program to enable the above described featuresmay be downloaded to a wireless device 404. While the wireless device404 may be adapted to perform other functions (e.g., place a call orsurf the Internet 112), the wireless device 404 may lack the software toperform the features described herein. A program which adapts thewireless device 404 to perform the functions described herein may betransmitted to a wireless device 404 via the Internet 112 or any othersuitable means. The program is then saved to a computer readable mediumon the wireless device 404. The user 402 may then install the programand begin using the features described herein. In some embodiments, thesoftware is downloaded directly to a computer readable medium on thewireless device 404 and installed without any user 402 interaction.

In some embodiments, the user may enter information into wireless device404. For instance, the user 402 may enter information relating to theirskill level (e.g., novice or expert), conditions relating to the weather(e.g., wind direction and speed), the layout of the golf course (e.g.,distance to the hole from the present location or tree locations) orperformance on the last swing (e.g., if the ball hooked left or slicedleft).

In some embodiments, the wireless device 404 may automatically searchfor information relevant to the game on the Internet. For instance, thewireless device 404 may search for prevailing weather conditions, suchas force and direction of the wind. In some embodiments, the wirelessdevice 404 may warn the user 402 of weather conditions that mayadversely affect their game. For instance, the wireless device 404 maywarn the user 402 if the weather forecast predicts a thunderstorm willreach the golf course during the game, if heat levels will exceed acomfortable playing temperature or become dangerous, or if high windsare predicted.

In some embodiments, the wireless device 404 may “learn” about thecourse. The user 402 may take a picture, or several pictures, of thecurrent hole. Based upon the picture, or image, the wireless device 404may determine the layout of hole, including trees, location of the hole,the green, sand traps and other features of the golf course. Thisinformation may also be downloaded from any suitable source as well.

In some embodiments, the wireless device 404 may provide feedback to theuser 402 and act as a caddy or coach. For instance, if the user 402consistently slices their ball to the left, the wireless device 404 mayprovide feedback to user 402 to correct the stroke of the user 402. Thewireless device 404 may analyze the information it has accumulated onthe user 402, to provide advice on a training regimen, provideinspirational phrases (e.g., “a few more strokes like that and you'llhave it!” or “you've made 5,000 perfect or nearly perfect swings,another 5,000 and you will have the muscle memory to play like aprofessional”), notify the user that they have a lack ofconsistency/concentration and provide advice to overcome these flaws,coaching advice (e.g., when it is time to quit, how many balls to hitduring practice, how to hit the balls, etc.), analyze and provideobjective metrics reflecting progress toward developing muscle memory(e.g., 10,000 swings are required to develop the required musclememory), objective metrics reflecting progress toward developing musclestrength, etc.

The wireless device 404 may also provide feedback on the best approachto the hole. The wireless device 404 may take many factors into accountwhen determining the best approach, such as skill of the user, obstacleson the course, weather, etc. For instance, if a tree is in the way of adirect shot to the hole, the wireless device 404 may instruct the user402 to take an alternative approach to the hole, rather than riskhitting the tree. The wireless device 404 may also determine that if theskill level of a user 402 is low, such as a beginner, a conservativeapproach should be taken rather than a riskier approach. For instance,if a tree is in the path of a direct approach, the wireless device 404may provide feedback to a novice that an approach without trees shouldbe taken and give the user 402 an alternative approach to the hole. Ifthe wireless device 404 determines that the user 402 is more skilled,such as an expert, the wireless device 404 may instruct the user 402 totake a riskier approach to the hole, such as by hitting the ball overthe tree.

As discussed above, in some embodiments, the wireless device 404 maydetermine the location of the hole and the user 402. Based upon thisinformation, the wireless device 404 may determine the distance betweenthe user 402 and the hole. Using the distance between the user 402 andthe hole, the wireless device 404 may make a recommendation to the user402 as to what club to use and a swing strength recommendation, such ashow hard to hit the ball. Other factors, such as if the user is on thegreen or in a sand trap, may influence the club and swing strengthrecommendation of the wireless device 404.

In some embodiments, the wireless device 404 may communicateinformation, such as position of the user 402, to the golf clubhouse.Personnel at the golf clubhouse can track the position of the user 402and the current hole the user 402 is playing. Based upon thisinformation, the personnel may instruct other players to begin othercourses if the user 402 is on a low hole. In some embodiments, if theuser 402 is playing a hole high enough to ensure another player cannotovertake the user 402, the personnel may instruct the player to beginplaying the course the user 402 is playing. The personnel may also beginto prepare food if the user 402 is on a sufficiently high hole, orprepare the checkout process (e.g., begin paperwork or retrieve the carof the user 402). The personnel may also send food or refreshments tothe user 402 on specific holes or periodically.

In some embodiments, the wireless device 404 may respond to verbalcommands. For instance, the user 402 may state “practice” to indicatethe user 402 is about to take a practice swing.

The features described herein may be applicable to other sports such astennis, baseball or soccer. In some embodiments, a baseball team may beequipped with specific wireless devices 104 or wireless devices 404. Acommentator or coach can reference the position of the wireless device104 or wireless device 404 and who is assigned to the wireless devices104 or wireless device 404, in order to determine specific players andtheir locations. Based upon this information, a commentator can easilydetermine which player made a play, or each player's location.Furthermore, based upon this information a coach can instruct a playerwhere to hit the ball for the highest chance of success. For instance,if a coach knows the best player on the opposing team is in centerfield, the coach can instruct their player to hit away from centerfield.

In some embodiments, the wireless device 104 or wireless device 404 maybe embedded in sports equipment. For instance, the wireless devices 104or wireless device 404 may be embedded in a bat, racquet or shin guard.For instance, if the user 102 or 402 is playing soccer, the wirelessdevice 104 or wireless device 404 embedded in the shin guard may be usedto indicate the player's running speed, movements throughout the game ortotal distance travelled and so forth. In some embodiments, thisinformation may be used to determine the level of fatigue of a user 102or 402. In other embodiments, the aspects of a player's swing (e.g.,speed or direction) may be analyzed.

In some embodiments, the wireless device 404 may be used during martialarts training. The user 402 can clock the speed and timing of theirmovements to determine their ability level and how to progress. The user402 can also use wireless device 404 to keep track of his/her movementsand notify the user 402 when he/she has reached a predeterminedthreshold. For instance, during a speed drill, the user 402 may wish todetermine how long it takes to throw one-hundred punches. The wirelessdevice 404 can keep track of the number of punches and emit a sound when100 punches have been thrown by the user 402. The wireless device 404may also track the time it takes the user to reach his/her goals (e.g.,throw one hundred punches). In some embodiments, the user 402 may wishto simply determine how many times he/she make a certain movement, suchas kicking. The wireless device 404 can keep track of these movementsand provide the results to the user 402 when convenient.

In some embodiments, the wireless device 404 may simulate a game. Forinstance, the wireless device 404 may simulate a golf game to create a“virtual” golf game. The user 402 may play various maps and course whichare displayed to the user 402. In some embodiments, the user 402 mayswing a “virtual” golf club by holding the wireless device 404 inhis/her hands, and swinging the wireless device 404 as he/she would agolf club. In some embodiments, instead of the user 402 holding thewireless device 404, wireless device 404 may be attached to user 402 asthe user simulates or actually hits a golf ball. The wireless device 404measures characteristics of the swing (e.g., if the user pulled left orright during the swing, or strength of the swing, etc.) of the user 402.These characteristics are then used by the game to calculate where theuser 402 hit the ball in the virtual golf course (e.g., on the green,sand trap or made it to the hole). This may continue until the user hasfinished the game.

In some embodiments, multiple wireless devices 404 may be connectedtogether via the internet or any other suitable means to simulate agame. For instance, a first wireless device 404 may be keyed to themovements of player one, a second wireless device 404 may be keyed tothe movements of player two, a third wireless device 404 may be keyed tothe movements of player three and so forth. In some embodiments, amaster wireless device 404 acts as a host, and may simulate the game,generate the maps of courses and so forth while other wireless devicesconnect to the master wireless device 404, and transmit information ofthe movement of the user 402 to the master wireless device 404. In someembodiments, the wireless devices 404 connect to one another directlywithout a host. In some embodiments, a wireless device 404 may connectto a suitable medium (e.g., computer or TV) to display the game. Anysuitable means, such as the internet, USB cables or AV cables may beused to connect the user device 404 to a suitable medium.

In some embodiments, multiple wireless devices 404 may be attached tothe user 402. The wireless devices 404 may measure different aspects ofthe motion of the user 402. For instance, during a golf swing, the usermay attach one wireless device 402 on his/her forearm, and anotherwireless device 404 on his/her hind leg. This may allow the user to notonly measure characteristics of forearm movement, but also measurecharacteristics of hind leg movement. The characteristics of the hindleg movement of the user 402 may be used to determine the follow throughof the swing of the user 402. Thus, another dimension of movement andgameplay may be analyzed with each additional wireless device 404. Anynumber (1, 2, 3, 4 . . . ) of wireless devices 404 may be used. Whilethe wireless device 404 is discussed as being placed on the hind leg ofthe user 402, the wireless device 404 may be placed anywhere on thebody.

In some embodiments, the wireless device 404 may correlate movements(e.g., swinging a golf club or punch) to a number of calories burned.The wireless device 404 may keep track of the number of movements by theuser 402 and determine the number of calories the user 402 has burned.The total number of calories may be presented to the user. Aninspirational message to motivate the user to keep exercising may alsobe provided. Feedback may also be provided as well.

In some embodiments, the wireless device 404 may be adapted to determinethe speed the user 402 is traveling. For instance, the user 402 mayactivate the wireless device 404 before going on a roller coaster rideso they may determine the speeds the user 402 travelled during theroller coaster ride. The wireless device may also measure “jerkiness” ofa ride, or the changes in acceleration that occur throughout the ride.In some embodiments, the wireless device 404 may determine the speed theuser is traveling in a vehicle, such as a car. This information may besaved in the wireless device 404. This information may be retrieved at alater time. For instance, if the user 402 gets into an accident,personnel, such as officers, can determine factors before the crash,such as how fast the car was travelling upon impact, the direction oftravel and the GPS location of the wireless device 404 before theaccident. In other embodiments, an auto-alert is set up on the wirelessdevice 404 to notify appropriate parties, such as parents of a user 402,if a predetermined speed is exceeded. In some embodiments, appropriateparties can monitor the speed of the wireless device 404 in real time.In other embodiments, the wireless device 404 may sync with the stereoof the vehicle. The wireless device 404 may select music (e.g., fastermusic for faster ride, slower music for a slower ride), based upon thespeed of the user. In some embodiments, the wireless device 404 mayselect music for a roller coaster ride and play this music to the user402. For instance, rock and roll may be played during a steep plummet.In some embodiments, as the speed increases, so does the intensity andloudness of the music. In some embodiments, instead of, or inconjunction with speed, G-forces may also be correlated to music.

The foregoing description discloses only exemplary embodiments of thepresent invention. Modifications of the above disclosed apparatus andmethods which fall within the scope of the invention will be readilyapparent to those skilled in the art. Specific components may besubstituted with equivalent components and the number of components maybe increased or reduced and still remain within the scope of the presentinvention. A swing measurement apparatus may be employed for teachingproper swing (e.g., swing tempo) for a tennis racket, baseball bat orhockey stick, to teach proper casting during fly fishing, proper tempoduring bowling, and to monitor the velocity of a baseball player'sthrowing arm. Further, a boxer or martial artist may use the apparatusto monitor the velocity and/or acceleration (and thus the force) ofpunches or kicks. Additionally, any modulation and transmission schememay be used for transmitting information to remote locations.

Also, although discussed primarily with regard to Bluetooth™ technology,it is understood that signals may be sent to and/or from the swingmeasurement device, wireless device, and other devices via other means,such as Short Message Service, IEEE 802.11b (WiFi), Ultra Wide Band(UWB), WiMax, etc. Additionally, while the present invention hasprimarily been described with reference to a single user, it will beunderstood that the invention is equally applicable to multiple usersituations.

Accordingly, while the present invention has been disclosed inconnection with exemplary embodiments thereof, it should be understoodthat other embodiments may fall within the spirit and scope of theinvention, as defined by the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for monitoring a tennis swingcomprising: providing a cellular telephone having one or moreaccelerometers and a program that allows the cellular telephone to:monitor acceleration of the cellular telephone as the cellular telephoneswings; collect acceleration information based on the monitoredacceleration of the cellular telephone as the cellular telephone swings;analyze the collected acceleration information to determine one or morecharacteristics of a tennis swing based on the collected accelerationinformation; and output information regarding the one or morecharacteristics of the tennis swing on a display of the cellulartelephone; coupling the cellular telephone to an arm or wrist of a user;and employing the cellular telephone coupled to the arm or wrist of theuser to: monitor acceleration of the cellular telephone as the cellulartelephone swings while the user swings a tennis racquet; collectacceleration information based on the monitored acceleration of thecellular telephone as the cellular telephone swings; analyze thecollected acceleration information to determine one or morecharacteristics of the tennis swing based on the collected accelerationinformation; and output information regarding the one or morecharacteristics of the tennis swing on the display of the cellulartelephone.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein the cellular telephoneincludes a program that determines one or more of acceleration of thetennis racquet, velocity of the tennis racquet, and speed of the tennisracquet.
 3. The method of claim 1 wherein the cellular telephoneincludes a program that determines one or more of ball-racquet contact,ball-racquet contact timing and ball-racquet contact force.
 4. Themethod of claim 1 wherein the cellular telephone includes a program thatdetermines number of swings of the tennis racquet.
 5. The method ofclaim 1 wherein the cellular telephone includes a program thatdetermines one or more of predicted ball travel distance and predictedball position.
 6. The method of claim 1 wherein the cellular telephoneincludes a program that detects wirelessly transmitted signals frommultiple users.
 7. The method of claim 1 wherein the cellular telephoneincludes a program that transmits swing information over the Internet.8. The method of claim 1 wherein the cellular telephone includes aprogram that converts acceleration information into an audio signal andprovides an audio signal indicative of swing tempo.
 9. The method ofclaim 1 wherein the cellular telephone includes a program that comparesa current swing to an ideal swing and outputs a cue if the current swingvaries from an ideal swing in real time.